We asked questions about Vitamin D (and K) and we didn’t like the
answers, so we made a product with better (cleaner, more fun, more
sheep-friendly) answers. Read on amigos!

There are two forms of vitamin D that are found in dietary supplements, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is sourced mainly from animals, although lichen is a vegan source of D3. Vitamin D3 is the form made in humans following exposure to UVB light. In contrast, vitamin D2 is sourced from plants.

Vitamin D3 is largely recognized as being more “bioavailable”, meaning more of the vitamin that is ingested gets delivered to body tissues. Studies that directly compare the bioavailability of D3 to D2 show that vitamin D3 raises blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D more than vitamin D2, so it is preferable to choose a supplement containing vitamin D3. If you are vegan, choose a supplement that contains D3 sourced from lichen.

There are also two forms of vitamin K, vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones). Vitamin K1 comes mainly from plants, while vitamin K2 is made by bacteria and is found in animal-based and fermented food. Vitamin K2 is further subdivided into MK-4 through MK-13. Each of these subgroups of vitamin K2 has a slightly different molecular structure. Dietary supplements usually include MK-4 or MK-7. MK-4 occurs naturally in foods including liver, butter, and cheese, while MK-7 is made through fermentation, with the best source being Japanese fermented soybeans (called Nattō). Studies have shown that vitamin MK-7 is more bioavailable than vitamin MK-4, so it is preferable to choose a supplement containing vitamin MK-7.

Multiple scientific studies show benefits from taking vitamin D supplements. These include: reduced incidence of viral infections, dental cavities, cancer, reduced symptoms of PCOS, increased bone mineral density, reduced risk of falling, reduced depressive symptoms, and more! To read even more about the full benefits of vitamin D supplementation, check out our blog here.

Many scientific studies also show amazing benefits of supplementing with vitamin K, including: decreased risk of bone fracture, improved bone mineralization and strength, reduced risk of developing diabetes, improved glycemic control, reduced inflammation, improved markers of cardiovascular disease, and more. To read more about the benefits of vitamin K, check out our blog here.

Yes! Fringe DK powder is water soluble, meaning it absorbs 2-4 times more than your traditional vitamin D capsule or dropper. That’s why our recommended dose is only 1-2 scoops per day - less is more.

Since our DK powder is water soluble, we only recommend taking 1-2 scoops per day, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. We have 2,500 IU of vitamin D3 per scoop - which remember is equivalent to taking 2-3 times that much if it were in oil based form. 1-2 scoops should be plenty for most adults!

Yes. Supplementing vitamins D and K is essential for most due to our modern lifestyle. However, you can over time take too much vitamin D, so we recommend getting your levels checked yearly with your primary healthcare provider.

Fringe Essentials Vitamin D & K is incredibly safe. We use high quality ingredients and test every batch of our final product to ensure safe levels of toxic ingredients, including heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. We also leave out all the stuff you don’t want like artificial sweeteners, additives, gums, and ‘natural flavors’.

We sure do! Safety is our number one priority when it comes to supplements. We third party test every batch of Fringe supplements for heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticides. And we publish the results! Check out our mission and testing results here.

Scientific studies are all over the map with optimal range recommendations ranging from 20ng/mL - 60ng/mL. Our advice is to work with a health care provider who can monitor your blood vitamin D levels and tailor recommendations accordingly.

Whenever you will be consistent! Time of day doesn’t matter with taking vitamin D, but what does matter is making sure your body gets these essential vitamins in on a daily basis.

Not ours! Because Fringe DK powder is water soluble, you can take it on an empty stomach or with a meal, whichever you prefer.

Yes. It’s hard to do, but possible. The main concern about excessive vitamin D intake is that it may increase calcium to dangerous levels. However, research suggests that hypercalcemia is unlikely to occur in healthy adults when blood vitamin D is below 700ng/mL, which far exceeds the recommended targets of 20 to 60ng/mL in blood serum testing.

There is no recognized upper limit to the amount of vitamin K1 or K2 that can be consumed. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that “no adverse effects associated with vitamin K consumption from food or supplements have been reported in humans or animals”. A synthetic form of vitamin K, called menadione, has caused toxicity in infants, but in the US this form is generally only used at present in animal food.

While calcium plays a critical role in many body processes and works alongside vitamins D and K, the verdict is still out on how effective calcium supplementation is. While it’s an essential mineral for sure, it should be primarily obtained from foods such as dairy, almonds, and sardines. Natural water like mineral water is also an amazing source of calcium! And the great news - our newly formulated electrolyte/mineral powder has calcium - check it out here.

If you consume very little calcium in your diet, taking a supplement may be warranted. However - be aware that many calcium supplements are dosed very high (500-1000mg per serving). These should be avoided. A calcium supplement that more closely mimics dietary intake is more ideal, at 250mg or less per day.

Yes! Magnesium is another nutrient that is interacts with vitamin D. Many enzymes that synthesize and metabolize vitamin D are dependent on magnesium for proper functioning, so optimal magnesium status is important for vitamin D. Most people do not consume sufficient dietary magnesium, and due to depletion of magnesium from our soil and foods, supplementation may be necessary to meet our daily needs. Lucky for you - we have an amazing magnesium supplement as well - check it out here.

Most likely. Just like adults, kids can be low on vitamins D and K as well - especially if they aren’t eating foods high in these nutrients or outside often. Kids can also take Fringe Essentials Vitamin D & K. As always, consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.

Based on age, the recommended doses are: for children aged 2-3 years old, ¼ scoop per day; ages 4-8, ½ scoop per day; ages 9-13, ¾ scoop per day; ages 14+, 1 full scoop per day. As with adults, the only way to know for certain how a child is responding to supplementation is to have their blood tested. For children under 1 year of age, please consult a health care provider before using.

Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement. Based on age, the raecommended doses are: for children aged 2-3 years old, ¼ scoop per day; ages 4-8, ½ scoop per day; ages 9-13, ¾ scoop per day; ages 14+, 1 full scoop per day. As with adults, the only way to know for certain how a child is responding to supplementation is to have their blood tested. For children under 1 year of age, please consult a health care provider before using.

Yes, Fringe DK powder is safe during pregnancy. Be mindful of any other sources of vitamin D or K supplementation, as many high quality prenatal vitamins have the necessary amounts already in them, so additional D and K might not be needed.

Yes, Fringe DK powder is safe during pregnancy. Be mindful of any other sources of vitamin D or K supplementation, as many high quality prenatal vitamins have the necessary amounts already in them, so additional D and K might not be needed.